Bent issues stay plea to Young

Aston Villa, Latest news update: March 28, 2011 10:09 AM[[views]]

Darren Bent is hoping team-mate Ashley Young opts to stay put at Aston Villa, despite interest from several top Premier League clubs.

Bent, who became Villa's record signing in January when he joined from Sunderland in a deal worth £18million rising to £24million, has been very impressed with Young since he moved to the club. And, while he is not surprised that Manchester United and Liverpool are already lining up to sign him, Bent is hoping he agrees to sign a deal extension with Villa beyond summer 2012.
Bent, who was also set up by Young to score England's second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win against Wales in the Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff, said: "Ashley has been playing really, really well this season and being linked to top, top sides.
"It's because of the form he is showing like against Wales that all these clubs are after him.
"He was fantastic and it helps me that he is also in the Villa side.
"The main thing is we can keep going, hang onto him for as long as possible and keep creating the chances for Villa and scoring goals."